Millions of Filipinos will cast their vote on Monday as the Philippines go to polls, which is being seen as a mid-term ‘referendum’ on the rule of incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte.
The highlight in the mid-term elections is the face-off between Duterte's allies and the opposition fighting against the president who they consider a dictator. Around 43,500 candidates are vying for nearly 18,000 congressional and local posts in the elections.
The election is being seen as a referendum on Duterte's government and the three years of his rule as president. Termed a very disruptive, yet very popular presidency, Duterte's regimen has witnessed his unorthodox leadership, a savage crackdown on illegal drugs that killed thousands, sexist outbursts and appeasement toward China. The polls will determine whether Filipinos would accept or reject Duterte's authoritarian style leadership.
The most crucial race is for 12 seats in the 24-member Senate, which Duterte wants to fill with allies to bolster his legislative agenda.
Police forces and the military are on guard in case of any violence and also help prevent any malpractice during the voting process.